Gutter and roof protection system

ABSTRACT

A gutter and roof protection system  10  comprises a gutter cover  16 ; a plurality of brackets  18  for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter  12  attached to a roof  14  of a building; an elongated rigid channel  20  supported by the brackets; and a heating element  22  for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element below the gutter cover so the channel and heating element do not impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to gutters, gutter covers, and ice and snow melting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a gutter and roof protection system with a heating element supported by an elongated channel carried by spaced-apart brackets.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Gutters are often installed on houses and other buildings to collect and carry water away from roofs and other sloped surfaces. Unfortunately, gutters often become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris, thus limiting their ability to collect water. Clogged gutters can also overflow, causing water damage to fascia and soffits of the buildings to which they are attached. Gutter covers, such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344 have been developed to alleviate these problems.

Roofs and other sloped surfaces are also subject to the accumulation of snow and ice, especially on eaves and overhangs which are not positioned over heated areas. Accumulated snow and ice can cause “ice dams” on roofs, gutters, and gutter covers which interfere with the normal shedding and collection of water. As water backs up behind an ice dam, it can flow through small cracks in shingles or other roofing material. Over prolonged periods of time, the freezing and subsequent thawing cycle of the water expands these cracks, eventually damaging the roof and underlying materials. Such ice dams also often break away and fall to the ground, potentially causing injury to persons and damage to property below.

Heating cables and other de-icing products can be placed on roofs, gutter covers and/or gutters to melt snow and ice before it accumulates and forms ice dams. However, heating cables must be fastened with staples, nails or other fasteners or they will move over time and require repositioning. Use of such fasteners creates holes in the roofs and/or gutters, resulting in damage due to water infiltration and the subsequent freezing and thawing described above. This placement of heating cables on top of roof shingles and gutters also creates an impediment to the normal flow of water and can trap leaves and other debris.

Heating cables and other de-icing products can be installed underneath roof shingles to avoid some of the above-described problems, but doing so requires a great deal of labor, especially for existing roofs. Covering heating cables with shingles also reduces their ability to melt snow and ice and increases the risk of fires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of gutter covers and heating cables. More particularly, the present invention provides a gutter and roof protection system which more effectively and efficiently prevents the clogging of gutters and the formation of ice dams.

The gutter and roof protection system of the present invention comprises a gutter cover; a plurality of brackets for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter attached to a building; an elongated rigid channel supported by the brackets; and a heating element for placement in the channel. The heating element is connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to generate heat and melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The elongated channel retains the heating element and prevents it from moving, without the use of additional fasteners. The elongated channel also positions the heating element under the gutter cover so the heating element doesn't impede the normal flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris.

In one embodiment, the elongated channel includes a base, two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween, and a transversely extending flange atop each upstanding sidewall for attachment to a lower surface of each of the brackets. This embodiment positions the heating element near a lower surface of the gutter cover but beneath the uppermost portion of the brackets so the channel and the heating element do not come between the brackets and the gutter cover.

In another embodiment, the elongated channel includes a pair of generally transversely extending walls which receive the heating element and support it near the intersection of two legs of each of the brackets. As with the previous embodiment, this positions the heating element near a lower surface of the gutter cover but beneath a portion of the brackets.

In another embodiment, the elongated channel includes a base for placement on top of the brackets and two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween. This embodiment places the heating element immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover and on top of the brackets, thus reducing the spacing between the heating element and the gutter cover and therefore transferring more heat to the gutter cover.

In another embodiment of the invention, each of the brackets presents an upper surface having a recessed region therein for receiving the rigid channel. This places the rigid channel and the heating element on top of the brackets and immediately beneath the gutter cover as with the previous embodiment. The recessed regions in the brackets also retain the elongated channel against movement and provides a generally flush-mounting for the elongated channel and the heating element.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are described more fully in the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gutter and roof protection system constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a root of a building.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gutter and roof protection system constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a root of a building.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a gutter and roof protection system constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a root of a building.

FIG. 4 is a partial vertical section view of a gutter and roof protection system constructed in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown installed over a gutter attached to a root of a building.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The drawing figures illustrate various embodiments of a gutter and roof protection system 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Each embodiment of the gutter and roof protection system 10 is adapted to be installed over a gutter 12 attached below a roof 14 or other sloped surface of a building or other structure.

The gutter and roof protection system 10 broadly includes a gutter cover 16; a plurality of brackets 18 a, 18 b, 18 c, or 18 d for supporting the gutter cover over the gutter; an elongated rigid channel 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, or 20 d supported by the brackets; and a heating element 22 for placement in the channel. The gutter and roof protection system 10 may also include one or more end caps for capping the ends of the gutter cover and one or more diverter elements for use at converging sloped roof locations.

The gutter cover 16 is designed to collect water from the roof 14 and to direct it into the gutter 12 while preventing leaves and other debris from entering the gutter 12. The gutter cover 16 may be of various shapes and sizes to fit over different sizes and styles of gutters. Examples of the gutter cover 16 are those sold by Hart and Cooley under the trademark Gutter Helmet®. Other examples are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,557,891; 5,660,001; and 6,098,344, all incorporated into the present application by reference. These patents also disclose in more detail the end caps and diverter elements mentioned above.

The gutter cover 16 may include a number of individual segments which can be interconnected to cover any length of gutter. For example, each segment may be approximately four feet long and include one end which can slide into an end of an adjacent segment so a plurality of segments can be interconnected to cover a long length of gutter without the use of screws, brackets, or other fasteners joining the segments together. Alternatively, the gutter cover may consist of a continuous, single piece which is sized or cut to fit over a particular length of gutter.

Each gutter cover segment is preferably formed from a single piece of aluminum or other suitable material which is bent into the configuration shown in the drawing figures. If the gutter cover 16 is formed of aluminum, the preferred thickness of each segment is preferably between 1/32″ and 1/16″.

The brackets 18 a-d support the gutter cover 16 over the gutter 12 and support the channel 20 a-d as described in more detail below. The brackets 18 a-d may be formed of any suitable material such as stainless steel and may be shaped in various different infigurations. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the brackets, 18 a and 18 c, may each consist of a first section 24, one end of which may be positioned under a shingle or row of shingles on the roof 14; a second section 26 which extends generally transversely from one end of the first section 24; one or more hooks 28 or fingers which extend from the second section and which are configured to be placed over a lip or other part of the gutter; and a hook 30 or tab which extends from the second section 26 and which is configured to receive and retain an end of the gutter cover.

Another embodiment of the bracket 18 b is shown in FIG. 2 and is similar to the brackets 18 a,18 c of FIGS. 1 and 3 except that it also includes a cross brace 32 between its first and second sections 34,36. The cross brace 32, as well as the second section 36, may include a number of holes 38 through which a nail, screw, or other fastener may be driven into the roof 14 or other structure to secure the bracket 18 b to the roof.

Yet another embodiment of the bracket 18 d is shown in FIG. 4. This embodiment is similar to the brackets of FIGS. 1 and 3 except that it presents a recessed region 40 or notch formed in its first section 42, the purpose of which is described below.

The elongated channel 20 a-20 d carries the heating element 22 and prevents it from sagging or otherwise moving relative to the gutter cover 16. The channel also positions the heating element so that it does not impede the flow of water over the gutter cover 16 and into the gutter 12 or trap debris.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the elongated channel 20 a includes a base 46, two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls 48 for receiving the heating element therebetween, and a transversely extending flange 50 atop each upstanding sidewall for attachment to a lower surface the bracket 18 a and other brackets not shown. The elongated channel 20 a thus positions the heating element 22 near a lower surface of the gutter cover 16 but beneath the uppermost portion of the bracket 18 a so the channel 20 a and the heating element 22 do not come between the bracket 18 a and the gutter cover 16.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the elongated channel 20 b includes a pair of generally transversely extending walls 52 which receive the heating element 22 and support it near the intersection of the first and second sections 36,34 of each of the brackets. As with the previous embodiment, this positions the heating element 22 near a lower surface of the gutter cover 16 but beneath the uppermost portion of the brackets 18 b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the elongated channel 20 c includes a base 54 for placement on top of the brackets 18 c and two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls 56 for receiving the heating element 22 therebetween. This embodiment places the heating element 22 immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover 16 and on top of the brackets 18 c, thus reducing the spacing between the heating element and the gutter cover and therefore transferring more heat to the gutter cover. The upstanding sidewalls 56 may be shorter than the diameter of the heating element 22 so that a portion of the heating element extends above the sidewalls and touches the gutter cover to further facilitate the transfer of heat to the gutter cover.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the channel 20 d is similar to the channel of FIG. 1 but each of the brackets 18 d presents an upper surface having a recessed region 40 therein for receiving the rigid channel as described above. This places the channel 20 d and the heating element 22 on top of the brackets 18 d and immediately beneath the gutter cover 16 as with the previous embodiment. The recessed regions 40 in the brackets 18 d also retain the elongated channel 20 d against lateral movement and provides a generally flush-mounting for the channel and the heating element. This embodiment may also position the heating element 22 so that a portion of the heating element touches the gutter cover 16.

The heating element 20 is itself conventional and is operable to emit heat when connected to a suitable source of electricity. An example of a heating element 20 that may be used with the present invention is the Tuff brand heating cable manufactured and sold by Heatizon Systems of Salt Lake City, Utah. The heating cable 20 may be a 10 gauge coated copper cable that is weather and chemical resistant. The heating cable 20 may be connected to a suitable transformer and control box, such as those provided by Heatizon, to provide low-voltage electricity for delivering up to 12 watts of heat per lineal foot of heating cable. The control box may also include or be connected to an activation device, such as those provided by Heatizon, to control when electricity is delivered to the heating cable (for example, only during cold days).

The gutter and roof protection system 10 of FIG. 1 is installed by first attaching one or more of the brackets 18 a between the roof 14 and the gutter 12. This is done by inserting the first section 24 of each bracket under one or more shingles of the roof and then placing the hooks 28 of each bracket over the lip of the gutter. Any number of brackets may be installed in this manner. For example, a plurality of brackets may be spaced approximately 6 to 24 apart inches along a length of the gutter 12.

The channel 20 a is then glued, screwed, or otherwise fastened to all of the brackets 18 a as illustrated. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, this is done by attaching the flanges 50 below the first section 24 of each bracket. The heating cable 22 is then placed in the channel 20 a. Alternatively, the heating cable 22 may be placed in the channel 20 a before the channel is fastened to the brackets.

Finally, the gutter cover 16 is placed over the brackets 18 a by inserting one end under the same shingles which cover the first section 24 of the brackets and by placing the other end in the hooks 30 of each bracket.

Once the gutter and roof protection system 10 is installed, the heating cable 22 is connected to a suitable source of electricity or to a controller which is connected to a source of electricity. When operated, the heating cable heats-up in a conventional manner and warms the gutter cover 16 to prevent the accumulation of ice and snow thereon. Because the heating cable is supported beneath the gutter cover, it does not impede the flow of water over the gutter cover or collect debris. The rigid channel 20 a also prevents the heating cable from sagging or otherwise moving relative to the brackets 18 a and the gutter cover 16. The present invention also permits the heating cable 22 to be installed in the field while the gutter cover 16 is being installed. This permits an installer to quickly and easily add snow and ice melting capabilities to some gutter covers but not others as the need dictates.

The gutter and roof protection system of FIG. 2 is installed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that screws or nails are driven through the second section 36 and cross brace 32 of each bracket 18 b as described above and the elongated channel 20 b is glued, screwed, or otherwise fastened near the intersection of each bracket's first and second sections 34,36.

The gutter and roof protection system of FIG. 3 is also installed in a similar fashion as the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the elongated channel 20 c is screwed, glued, or otherwise fastened on top of the first section 24 of each bracket 18 c as illustrated. The channel 20 c may also be set on top of the brackets without any fasteners and held in place by the forces exerted by the gutter cover 16 when the gutter cover is placed over the brackets.

The gutter and roof protection system of FIG. 4 is installed in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the elongated channel 20 d is placed in the recessed region 40 of the brackets 18 d as illustrated so that the heating cable 22 touches the lower surface of the gutter cover.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. For example, the gutter cover and brackets described and illustrated herein may be replaced with other similar gutter covers and brackets. Similarly, the heating element described and illustrated herein may be replaced with other known heating elements.

Having thus described the preferred embodiment of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: 

1. A gutter and roof protection system comprising: a gutter cover; a plurality of brackets for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter attached to a building; an elongated rigid channel supported by the brackets so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the gutter cover; and an elongated heating element for placement in the rigid channel for heating the gutter cover and thereby melting snow and ice therefrom.
 2. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rigid channel is supported on top of an upper surface of the brackets so as to position the heating element immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover.
 3. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rigid channel is supported on the brackets so as to position the heating element immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover so the heating element at least partially touches the gutter cover.
 4. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the channel includes a base, two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween, and a transversely extending flange atop each upstanding sidewall for attachment to a lower surface of the brackets.
 5. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the channel includes a pair of generally transversely extending walls which receive the heating element and support it near the intersection of two sections of each of the brackets.
 6. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the channel includes a base for placement on top of the brackets and two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween.
 7. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the brackets each present an upper surface having a recessed region therein for receiving the channel and supporting the channel and heating element on top of the brackets and immediately below a lower surface of the gutter cover.
 8. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rigid channel is formed of metal.
 9. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the heating element is a heating cable.
 10. A gutter and roof protection system comprising: a gutter cover; a plurality of brackets for supporting the gutter cover over a gutter attached to a building; an elongated rigid channel supported by the brackets so as to be positioned in the vicinity of the gutter cover; wherein the channel includes a base for placement on top of the brackets and two spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls for receiving the heating element therebetween; and an elongated heating element for placement in the rigid channel for heating the gutter cover and thereby melting snow and ice therefrom.
 11. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 10, wherein the rigid channel is formed of metal.
 12. The gutter and roof protection system as set forth in claim 10, wherein the heating element is a heating cable. 